Spatial and Temporal Variation in Ozone and Nitrogen Dioxide in the Seaside Recreation Area Environment

Abstract

Our experiment was conducted during the summer (seven days) in the seaside recreation area of Curonian Spit, Lithuania, with a view to observe the dispersion of ozone (O 3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) in this territory. In addition, the meteorological parameters (ambient temperature, relative air humidity, wind velocity, and direction) were recorded in order to assess the infl uence of these parameters on the changes in pollutants in the Curonian Spit. During the experiment, the ozone concentration in the spit varied from 5 to 130 μg/m 3 , while the concentration of nitrogen dioxide varied from 1 to 34 μg/m 3. It was found that the meteorological parameters infl uenced the changes in the levels of ozone. The investigation data showed that such meteorological parameters as temperature and relative humidity had the most important infl uence on ozone concentration variations (r = 0.619 (p<0.05); r = 0.612 (p<0.05), respectively). The changes in the level of nitrogen dioxide have been mostly infl uenced by traffi c intensity. O 3 and NO 2 were inversely related. The ozone concentration in Juodkrantė and Preila was higher by 37% than that measured in Klaipėda, while the nitrogen dioxide concentration was lower by 43%. The formation of ozone in the troposphere begins with NO 2 photolysis, after which the NO quickly reacts with ozone to regenerate the NO 2 .

Assessment of Meteorological Effects and Ozone Variation in Urban Area

“…Abdullah et al [47] investigated the relationship between daily temperature maximum and maximum ground level ozone. Their results confirm that the temperature trigger formation of ozone, causing extremal concentration [21] also confirm positive linear relationship between daily maximum temperature and maximum ozone concentration [47].…”

“…Based on previous facts we conclude that the spring-winter maximal value of ozone concentration results from increased photochemical ozone production and significant stratospheric-tropospheric exchange events as well as high emissions other pollutants (NO x and VOC). Each meteorological factor plays a unique role in explaining variations in ozone through its own particular response or effect [21]. Gong et al [45] investigated the characterization of air pollution index and its affecting factors in industrial and urban areas…”

“…Rates of chemical reactions is most sensitive to the temperature, so in accordance with this, temperature has a greatest impact to the level of ozone concentration [33]. Vasiliauskiene et al [21] explored the effect of high temperature and strong solar radiation on ozone synthesis. Abdullah et al [47] investigated the relationship between daily temperature maximum and maximum ground level ozone.…”

“…Tropospheric (ground-level, surface) ozone, generated from primary atmospheric pollutants, nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), collectively referred to as ozone precursors, especially under intensive luminosity conditions and high temperatures [4,10,[18][19][20][21][22] and pollutant emissions [23]. Recently, regulation of surface ozone in the atmosphere has become an important air quality control issue because of the rapid industrial and economic development associated with increased emission of air pollutants [23].…”

Air Quality in the Town of Bijeljina - Trends and Levels of So2 and No2 Concentrations

“…The concentration of NO 2 at both measuring points is uniform throughout the year, with the measured concentrations at the measuring station of the Heating plant being higher concerning the location of the Center, which supports the claim that that location is an additional source of pollution of Heating plant. Each meteorological factor plays a unique role in explaining variations of pollutants through its particular response or eff ect (Vasiliauskienė et al, 2016). The infl uence of meteorological parameters on ambient air quality is signifi cant (Gong et al, 2015).…”